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New to camping? Welcome to a beautiful, adventurous world that’s sure to be filled with great times and unforgettable adventures. Camping is great because it allows you to experience new things, and it teaches you a lot along the way. The more you camp, the better you get at it.

Of course, we all want to speed up the learning process, and the best way to do that is by learning from the mistakes of others so you can avoid making them yourself. Whether you’re an RV camper or a tent dweller, there are many mistakes you should avoid. With that in mind, here’s a look at some of the most common mistakes made by new campers.

Mistake #1: Unfamiliarity with your equipment

If you’re a new camper, that means you’ll be putting all your equipment to use officially for the first time when you hit the campsite. But that doesn’t mean you should wait until you get to the campgrounds to test out and learn about your gear. You don’t want to be out there struggling for hours to get your equipment setup because you don’t know what you’re doing and you can’t figure out the instructions.

Before you go camping, take some time to become familiar with your equipment. Make sure all your gear works properly before you get to the campgrounds.

Mistake #2: Buying a tent that’s the wrong size

Yes, tents have an occupancy number rating on the package when you buy them, but here’s a little secret – that number typically isn’t all that realistic. When a tent claims to be able to fit 4 people, it usually means you could cram 4 small individuals in there uncomfortably. A good rule of thumb is to get a tent with an occupancy rating of 2 more people than the number of people who will actually use it.

Mistake #3: Showing up late to the campgrounds

You don’t want to show up to the campgrounds at or after sunset. Why? Because when it’s dark outside, setting up a tent is incredibly challenging. This is especially true for new campers who are likely still struggling to master the art of properly pitching a tent.

Additionally, when you show up late to the campgrounds, it can be difficult to see well enough to find the best campsite for your party, and you don’t want to be disturbing your neighbors by being too loud as you get all of your stuff setup.

Mistake #4: Not having the right camping gear

When you’re out camping, there are many different things you’ll need, such as a lantern, trash bags, an ice chest, a first aid kit, simple-to-prepare food, towels, paper towels, etc. There’s nothing worse than being out at the campsite and discovering you forgot something essential. Your best bet is to search online for a camping checklist that will give you a good idea of everything you should bring with you on your trip. You should also make sure to choose campgrounds that have a convenient camp store on site.

There are many other mistakes campers may make, but if you can avoid these 4 major errors, you’ll be well on your way to having a fun and smooth camping experience. Now, get out there and enjoy some great camping!